CPSD engineer receives national honors

  • Published
  • By Larry Kishur
  • Cryptologic Systems Division
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sandy Ortiz of the Cryptologic Systems Division, C3I and Networks Directorate, was recently chosen to receive a prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics award.

Ortiz, a 25-year civil service electronics engineer, has been selected to receive a Great Minds in STEM, or GMiS, award. She was selected as a Luminary award winner, which honors the recipient's efforts in leading, collaborating and initiating key programs and research within their respective corporate, government and military organizations.

According to the program's website, "Great Minds in STEM is ... keeping America technologically strong through the delivery of national STEM awareness programs for students, parents and teachers in underserved communities; providing opportunities for the academic and career development of underrepresented students and professionals in STEM; and honoring our nation's top technically-talented Hispanic engineers and scientists."

Senior leaders from CPSD agree that Ortiz warrants the award.

"Sandy is an incredible engineer, and even more importantly, an incredible person," said James Barnett, CPSD's Engineering director. "She consistently goes above and beyond in all aspects of her life and is well deserving of this recognition."

Ortiz joins this year's honorees of 17 role models representing a broad range of professional fields within the categories of science, technology, engineering and math. She was selected as one of only four Air Force employees, out of 19 nominations, and one of only 16 Department of Defense members to be recognized by GMiS.

As a Luminary representing military organizations, Ortiz will be honored during the Salute to STEM Military and Civilian Heroes Reception. The event will take place in October, as part of the GMiS' 25th anniversary conference at The National WWII Museum located in New Orleans, La.

STEM individuals from industry, academia and government will be honored at this conference, which will be attended by more than a thousand STEM professionals and students from across the nation. The event also includes a career fair for prospective engineers and scientists.

Ortiz' award represents the fourth year in a row that CPSD has had an honoree chosen for this event, a record unsurpassed for a military organization of its size.

"Even before the GMiS decision, we knew Sandy to be an outstanding role model," said Barnett.